The Best of Car Talk The Best of Car Talk

#2679: Hot and Cold

Oct 3, 2026 · 34m

Summary

Click and Clack diagnose a 1996 Jetta with a clogged AC drain causing interior water damage and mold, advising the owner to clean the evaporator and treat the carpet. They also check in with Dinesh, a caller who survived a grueling 180-mile walk through Death Valley, and answer questions about using an ATV for sled dog exercise in Alaska and fixing a wet-belt slip issue on a Chevy Cavalier.

Topics discussed

Sponsor: Allianz Travel Insurance Intro: Funny signs and show welcome AC leak and mold in a 96 Jetta Where Are They Now: Dinesh's Death Valley walk Puzzler: Summer Sabbatical Sponsors: Betterment, Rinse, Con Edison Famous Last Words and mail call Sled dogs pulling an ATV in Kotzebue Reflections on living in Alaska Sponsors: Rinse, Con Edison, HomeServe Rant: Passing on the right Serpentine belt slipping in water Ford F-150 sputtering and vapor lock Credits and sign-off Sponsors: Total Wine, HomeServe
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